Bill Manhire has been extremely cagey about giving too much information about his new show prior to its premiere performance today. Beyond the expectation of an intriguing mix of riddles, some old, some new, put to song and music, we know little more.

Upon arriving, every member of the audience is given a small sealed envelope which we are subsequently told, in the opening presentation by Manhire, contains the answers to the riddles we were about to hear sung by Hannah Griffin. We can of course choose to read them prior to the performance or endeavour to solve the riddles as the show unfolds. For most of us, the challenge has been set and the envelopes remain sealed.

During the performance Manhire, from time to time, offers an opening line or two from the next riddle to be performed; perhaps a little insight into Anglo-Saxon riddles or other snippets of interest.

However, the performance is all about the riddles being sung by the beautiful  voice of Griffin, supported by the show’s music composer Norman Meehan on piano and Martin Riseley on violin.

I find myself shutting my eyes to focus on the words, trying to decipher the meaning or object of the riddle before we are delighted with the next mystery. Griffin’s voice is clear and true, with piano and violin providing perfect support but rarely taking the focus from the delightfully crafted and typically elusive lines.

The show engages us for an hour but once immersed in the tapestry of song, music and riddles it seems to pass much faster. Now is the time to look at the answers in the envelope and see if the riddles revealed their meaning to me or not. I find that I have deciphered some while others need to be revisited with answers now known. Fortunately Manhire has published a book with an accompanying recording of the show’s songs, which I grab with eager anticipation of further enjoyment and discovery. 

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